LETTERS
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More Reaction from Fistgate Removed Children from
Newton Schools
His response to me when questioned was that, in his opinion, the children were old enough to handle this topic! The principal's response to me was to give me a lesson on homophobia. After meeting with the School Superintendent, Jeffrey Young, I was not assured in any way that the agenda was not going to enter the classroom. I will not let my children be subjected to the political agenda of homosexual, transgended, or any other confused individuals. As a parent with strong moral values, I removed my children from the school. How will I afford this? I don't know; but I do know this - they will now receive a sound education, a true education, without any activists promoting their agenda to my babies! - Donna Pasquarosa
Court Trying to Keep Tape
Secret?
- Bill Jenczyk
Vermont Constitution
Calls for Virtue
As someone from Vermont said in a letter, we do have a law against such
things. Actually, it is in our state Constitution. It says, "Laws for the
encouragement of virtue and prevention of vice and immorality ought to
be constantly kept in force, and duly executed..." But, as you say,
if the court and legislators decide to ignore it, they do just that. That
is why there are "Take Back Vermont" signs going up all over the state.
We want representation returned. The people spoke, loud and clear, but
were ignored. I hope that we can turn it around in November.
- Peggy Jay
Pastor Concerned about
"Safer-Sex"
- Kenneth Campbell
Editor's Comment: The drop in teen sexual activity you have seen on Martha's Vineyard is quite dramatic. The rate is dropping nationally, due to fear of disease and the increased emphasis and acceptance of the abstinence message, according to a consortium of state Physicians' Resource Councils. The report was commissioned by a network of 13 state organizations representing over 2000 physicians. Planned Parenthood and other "family planning" type organizations emphasize almost totally the "safer-sex" message, which has proven to be a near-total failure. Indeed, the above report documents that "increased condom use and higher illegitimacy rates among teens have gone hand-in-hand." Planned Parenthood sometimes refer to their programs as "abstinence-based" but the reality is that they give abstinence an off-hand mention, accompanied by "but we all know it's unrealistic to expect you to be abstinent, so here are the condoms." Added to that is the message that "it's nobody's business (including your parents) how you behave sexually." On the other hand, there are some remarkably effective, family-strengthening, programs, emphasizing abstinence before marriage and faithfulness in marriage, in use throughout the country, which have proven to dramatically reduce teen sexual activity. Teens in one such program used in inner-city Washington, D.C. called "Best Friends," had a 1.1% pregnancy rate, while teen peers who did not participate in the program had a 26% pregnancy rate! Some of the other successful programs are "Postponing Sexual Involvement" and "Sex Respect." These programs have a hard time getting wide notice, due to Planned Parenthood's and liberal media's opposition to them. Unfortunately, Planned Parenthood programs are used in many public schools in Massachusetts. Homosexual Curriculum in Lexington?
- Ann Miller
Wants to Get Involved
- Charlotte H. Ogden
Editor's Comment: Judge van Gestel originally placed a gag order against the entire world, but when everyone across the country laughed at him, he lifted the gag against everyone except Brian Camenker and Scott Whiteman and the Parents Rights Coalition and "any persons in active concert or participation" with them. Since you are not in active participation, you can do anything with the tape you want. Here is the full text of the Order entered May 25, 2000: The defendants Scott Whiteman, Brian Camenker and The Parents Rights Coalition of Massachusetts, and any persons in active concert or participation therewith, are hereby preliminarily enjoined and restrained from willfully disclosing or attempting to disclose to any person the contents of any "oral communication" obtained through "interception," as those phrases are defined in G.L. c.272, sec. 99B, of any excerpt or part thereof, and any transcription or partial transcription thereof, of the workshop facilitated by the plaintiff Julie Netherland and others at the Teach-Out Conference held on March 25, 2000 at Tufts University; and further said defendants, and those in active concert or participation therewith, are preliminarily enjoined and restrained from willfully using or attempting to use the contents of the aforesaid "oral communications." This preliminary injunction only applies to those "oral communications" obtained by said defendants through the use of an "intercepting device," as those phrases are defined in G.L. c.272, sec. 99B. Nothing in this preliminary injunction shall be deemed to apply in any way to the print or electronic news media. This preliminary injunction shall last and extend only until further order of this or another Court. Grassroots Rebellion Growing
- C. M.
Is Mass. Teachers Association
Bad?
Now, with all the stuff I am reading about in your newspaper (and by the way, I will always subscribe!) I wonder...what is really going on in Haverhill? The teachers I see seem so much like me! Moms, Dads, you know, just people! But according to you, the Massachusetts Teacher Association is very bad. Please, tell me why. Is it filled with radical homosexuals? Christian-hating Atheists? God-bashing Humanists? What? Are there no voices of reason within its association?? Please, I really need to know. Please. Write and inform me so that I can be aware. I am afraid for my kids. I have four of them! I am terrified that their minds will be polluted by lies and half-truths. We attend a strong Christian missionary alliance church where we all love to worship, but they love school, and now, because of what I read in the Massachusetts News, I tremble. Thanks for your time, and do please, keep up the excellent work. You are a breath of fresh air - even if there are articles I choke on! - Cate Kennedy Marsden
Editor's Comment: Most teachers are just like you. But their union wishes to control the schools and it tries to stop the parents from doing so. There were no teacher unions in Massachusetts until the early 1970s. Now they pretty much control the schools. Many people believe that was the beginning of the decline in public education. Although some unions may be necessary in some industries, they always hurt the talented, conscientious person and tend to drag everyone to a low level. This is particularly true in teaching where the excellent teachers leave in disgust because there is no longer any pride within the system. There are reports that 40% of teachers send their children to private schools. There is very little publicity about the fact that there are currently thousands of lawsuits against the union for violating members' rights. Most members are unaware of their rights, including the right to refuse to contribute to political activities over which they have no control. Any democracy needs great vigilance from its citizens. It sounds like you're doing your part. Worried about "Aware" Program
There is a program in western Massachusetts schools called "Aware." Its main objective is very similar to the GLSEN conference, but without the obscenities. It is to promote awareness of "different" lifestyle choices, i.e., gay, lesbian. I do not know if my tax dollars are funding this course. I do know it is an elective course offered in the seventh grade! I, of course, did not allow my child to take the course. Its only purpose is to persuade young people that the homosexual lifestyle is normal and that it should be publicly recognized as such. Sorry, I am the last person to tell anyone that what they do in their bedroom should be prohibited, but I will never say that I agree that homosexuality is normal or right. I do not teach that it is normal to my child, but I do teach him to be compassionate, in that we all have struggles to deal with, recognized or not. The school that is teaching "Aware" is Mohawk Regional in Buckland, MA. I wonder if your people can look into where they get their funding and other things I should know. Thank you for this great paper! - Name Witheld
South African Wonders
about Sex Ed
- Ms. Annelize Harmse
Editor's Comment: We are sending a copy of the GLSEN audiotape as well as a copy of the September issue of Massachusetts News. It contained the full text of Dr. Alan Keyes' speech at the Massachusetts State House in July, in which he pointed out that the incredible HIV/AIDS tragedy in South Africa was predicted in the early 1980s by the World Health Organization because of Africa's cultural attitude toward promiscuous sex. The disease has been held in check in the U.S. only because the majority still believe in monogamy and keeping sex within marriage. He says that only a change in sexual mores will save countries like Africa from having their population decimated. That should be a warning to countries like the U.S., who are being urged by some to loosen all legal and social restraints on sexual behavior. Grateful
Her Children Involved in Wholesome Activities
Until I received the copy of your article, I didn't think there would be a problem with having a GSA in public schools. My daughters told me that they were not interested in joining that particular club. I didn't think there would be anything wrong with offering the GSA to high school students, provided that attendance was not mandatory and parental consent was required to participate. I was shocked when someone sent a copy of the Fistgate article to me. I could not believe that a state-sponsored workshop would include minor children in a graphic discussion about how homosexuals have sex. I could not believe that Tufts University would allow minor children to participate in a sexually explicit discussion. The language used in the workshop was absolutely filthy and the content was obscene. After reading about Fistgate, I would never permit my children to attend a meeting of the GSA. I am grateful that my two teenaged daughters are more interested in cheerleading, singing in the high school choir, marching in the marching band and planting trees with the Outdoor Club than in homosexuality and gay rights. The Massachusetts News did a wonderful job in warning the public about these "workshops." Tax dollars should not be wasted on that kind of filth. Keep up the great work! - Debra Farver
Editor's Comment: Parental permission is currently not required in Massachusetts for attendance at or involvement with a GSA after school. It was required for attendance at the March GLSEN Conference at Tufts, but parents and teachers were misled into thinking it was just about teaching "tolerance." Other Concerns You
Don't Have to Believe in Jesus to Teach About Him
- Name Withheld Editor's Comment: We agree with most of what you say. Would you agree that you would probably not hire a pleasant Catholic priest who is a "good human" to be head of the philosophy department at Harvard? Good Congressional Candidates
In my opinion, there are two ways to accomplish this and remove this smut from our schools. First, we must elect candidates who have high moral and ethical standards and respect our Constitution and the Bill of Rights - in other words, patriotic Americans. Second, we must incorporate a voucher program. There are five such candidates seeking seats in Congress. I would like to see those candidates supported and endorsed by the Massachusetts News. I am personally supporting Mr. Martin Travis who is opposing Barney Frank. As conservatives, we complain that our government is corrupt. Now is the time to stop complaining and work hard to elect conservatives who are running for Congress. They are Peter Abair (1st District vs. John Olver), Martin Travis (4th District vs. Barney Frank), Paul McCarthy (6th District vs. John Tierney), Eric Bleicken (10th District vs. William Delahunt) and Joseph Osbaldeston (5th District vs. Martin Meehan in the primary). Thanks again for having the strength and backbone to print the truth. The truth hurts only those who do not accept it, and brings comfort to those who do. - Charles W. Higgins
A Favorable Review
About Port Wine Stains
Lasers are used to treat PWS. The treatments are expensive because the lasers cost quite a bit to buy and operate. Most lasers used to treat PWS are manufactured in Massachusetts, by the way. Pulsed, scanned, and Continuous Wave lasers are used. Treatment of PWS is most effective for children, since the PWS has not fully developed. Insurance companies tend to view treatment for PWS as "cosmetic surgery" and do not cover the cost. Many people live with discolored marks on their faces because treatment is so expensive. The bill that was proposed would require insurance companies to cover treatment for PWS by laser techniques, currently the only reliable method. It would have made treatment possible for many people. - Douglas Brown
Congressmen Not Helping
with Fuel
Now, in order to "cool down" this steamroller economy, Mr. Greenspan has raised interest rates time and time again. The result is that mortgage rates and equity loan rates have risen astronomically for the "blue collar workers and the great middle class" whom all politicians claim to fight for and protect! It is time to expect our politicians to earn the votes we have given them and to honor the trust we have vested in them. If our elected officials can not come up with any way to combat the misery and devastation with which we, the middle-class, poor and elderly now face, in this period of unprecedented economic prosperity, I have a suggestion: Cancel all taxes on oil, gas and electricity until fuel prices and mortgage interest rates have become affordable for us, the hard-working middle class, poor, and elderly! - Virginia R. Courtney
Men Not the Only
Ones Abused by Court System
My Attorney took me to court. I explained my bruises and a restraining order and immediate eviction notice took effect. The restraining order meant nothing because he was a part of the legal system and I was too afraid to report the violations of the restraining order. I know now, and knew then, that restraining orders often do cause more violence. I was still afraid. "Don't anger him" was my way of life. Two years later, my divorce was final. It was not easy and if I had
known what I would have to go through, I don't know if I could have done
it.
The only decent thing happened when the judge who had heard all these charges became sick and another judge "scared" my former husband. Incidentally, years later, the first judge was accused of showing prejudice toward women in court. Yes, I sympathize with your innocent fathers, but what about innocent fearful women? I was sworn at, spit at, choked, kicked, etc., all after drunken binges at all hours of the day and night. This man legally carried a gun, before and after court appearances. Was I afraid? Yes, and I still am. I am chilled to the bone wondering
how many women put up with what I did for fear of what might happen to
them.
Editor's Comment: There is no doubt that our divorce system can be unfair to many people. When I practiced law, I always used to say that the good, honest person is always the one who gets hurt. But there are so many resources out there today for women that the system is stacked against men - but particularly against their children who need both parents, including the father. I also note that your divorce took place many years ago. I think you would find a difference today, although a good person can always be hurt. There is always unhappiness to someone in a divorce, no matter how good the system. Boy Scouts Must Exclude Homosexuals
I notice that all the newspaper items I read have nothing at all to say about what would appear to be a significant aspect of the matter. Whenever a schoolteacher, athletic coach, clergyman or other individual is discovered to have been molesting children, there is a loud uproar and great pressure to expel the culprit as quickly as possible. The reason why the Boy Scouts do not want homosexuals to serve as leaders is simple and reasonable. They want to protect both themselves and the boys who are in their troops from child molesters. A prominent part of Boy Scout activity is going on camping trips to woodland places. In such areas and under the conditions that exist, it can be very easy for a homosexual leader to take advantage of boys. As a matter of fact, every so often a Boy Scout leader is caught molesting a boy or boys. When this happens he is promptly expelled to widespread public approval. I wrote letters to four eastern Massachusetts papers pointing out the practical and sensible fact that the Boy Scouts' policy against homosexual leaders is reasonable and desirable. None of these papers printed my letter. That would appear to tell us something significant about the news media. - Robert J. Whittier
Editor's Comment: Of course, not all homosexuals are child molesters.
However, numerous studies of those who molest children indicate that 30%
of child molesters have a homosexual orientation. The American Psychiatric
Association agrees. Since homosexuals represent only 1%-3% of the population,
that means a homosexual is at least 10 times more likely to be a child
molester than a heterosexual person. Common sense and due diligence would
cause anyone entrusted with the welfare of children to consider that reality
when making policy or personnel decisions that could affect those children.
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